Ina Puri

My association with Kanishka dates back to Jadavpur University days, when as a young student of English (Hons!) then only in my First Year, I wore my first Kanishka saree. If I recall correctly, it was a cotton print, priced at Rs 50! The beautiful block print (a Pujo gift from Ma-Bapi) in shades of green & blue, looked rather nice, I was told. Decades late, my wardrobe still has some exquisite Kanishka weaves, though I don’t wear the cotton block prints anymore! My Orissa sarees, Gadwals, Daccais, Telias, Bomkais, Tussar Kalamkaris, Uppadas, to name just a few, are all thanks to the Rajas & their outstanding collection. Over the years, so many special occasions have been occasions to drape a Kanishka saree & many a book launch/exhibition opening have been so memorable because Nanditadi & Dilipda have made sure I had a beautiful saree to wear that evening. I believe Kolkata’s ladies owe a debt of gratitude to the first couple of designer wear in the city, who actually created a sense of aesthetics amongst it’s clients.